Going California Sober: Study Suggests Cannabis May Help Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption
New research released in the American Journal of Psychiatry suggests that embracing a “California sober” approach might substantially assist people reduce their drink consumption.
The Study and Bar Lab Setting
Researchers from Brown University conducted a novel study where volunteers received marijuana joints to consume before visiting a specially designed “bar lab”.
- Subjects could choose to consume up to eight mini alcoholic beverages.
- The trial was repeated on three occasions with different THC levels: 7.2%, 3.1%, and a placebo cannabis.
Great care was taken to mimic a real-life bar atmosphere, complete with low light and drinks on tap to guarantee subject realism.
“Our goal was to ensure that when presented with the chance, you would be highly motivated to drink,” explained the lead researcher.
Significant Results and Effects on Alcohol Use
Results showed a notable reduction in alcohol consumption after subjects smoked marijuana:
- Drink consumption dropped by nineteen percent after consuming moderate-THC marijuana.
- Reduction was more significant with 7.2% THC cannabis, leading to a twenty-seven percent decrease versus the control.
Wider Trends and Future Research
Expanded legal access has driven a significant rise in marijuana usage, which has doubled over the last ten years.
Meanwhile, alcohol use is at a record low, with numerous individuals turning to substitutes like weed.
It is important to note that 40% of study participants met the criteria for alcohol dependence.
Although marijuana could serve as a potential solution to excessive drinking, researchers caution that more study is needed.
“It is premature to advise people in treatment for drinking problems, ‘Proceed and substitute cannabis, and it will be effective for you,’” the lead researcher noted.
